McNeil, 19, went missing on June 22 during a camping trip with friends at a campground 40 kilometres south of Calgary. McNeil is thought to have been swept downstream after slipping into the Highwood River, close to where it meets with the Bow River. The body found Saturday was initially thought to be that of McNeil, but so far, authorities have not confirmed that.

"We're going ahead with it because this is something that we had planned," said Sheila MacLean, McNeil's biological mother, who lives in Fort McMurray but has remained in touch with her son through the years, despite giving him up for adoption when he was two.

"We were uncertain that we would find him so we're going ahead with the services."

The memorial service will be held at St. Mary's University College, 14500 Bannister Rd. from 1-4 p.m.

MacLean said another service will be held in Cape Breton at a later date.